A new chapter for AS and A levels in Cymraeg

After working closely with the education sector, earlier this year we approved new AS and A levels in Cymraeg Language and Literature and Cymraeg Craidd. These new qualifications have been developed by WJEC and will replace the current AS and A levels in Welsh (first language) and Welsh Second language.

WJEC have now published the specifications to help teachers prepare for delivering the qualifications ahead of first teaching from September 2027. This marks an important milestone in the collaborative work to develop a range of qualifications that will support the next generation of Cymraeg speakers. 

But this is about more than introducing new qualifications...  
It’s about making sure learners have opportunities to continue developing their lifelong learning and enjoyment of Cymraeg after the age of 16. 

These developments sit within a wider national ambition for Cymraeg. Through the Welsh Language and Education (Wales) Act, Wales has set out a clear commitment to strengthen Welsh language education and support more learners to develop the confidence, knowledge and skills needed in a future bilingual society. The new A levels in Cymraeg are one part of that journey - helping to create a clear and meaningful pathway for learners who want to continue with Cymraeg beyond compulsory education and take their language skills further.

Relevant, engaging and valued  
At the heart of the new qualifications is a simple ambition... to help learners become confident and skilled lifelong users of Cymraeg. 

It is important for learners to see the relevance and value of the Cymraeg qualifications they take beyond compulsory education, whether they go on to use the language in their further studies, in the workplace or as part of their everyday lives. 

The new qualifications will continue to support progression to studying Cymraeg as a subject in higher education. This can help develop the expertise needed for a bilingual workforce, including future teachers who can teach Cymraeg and teach other subjects through the medium of Cymraeg.  

Getting to this point has involved listening to a wide range of voices
The qualifications have been shaped by the people who know Cymraeg qualifications best. Through every stage of the journey there has been input from a broad range of individuals and organisations with a role to play in Welsh language education. This includes teachers, lecturers and learners, as well as universities and employers. The design features of the new qualifications reflect the views shared in our public consultation as well as the ongoing input from the sector as the qualifications were being developed.  

With a broader range of learning contexts, updated assessments and texts, and a strengthened focus on practical and spoken communication, the aim is to ensure that the qualifications reflect the diverse experiences and interests of all learners of Cymraeg in Wales. This will help to ensure that they appeal to as broad range of learners as possible.

At the same time the changes are balanced with recognition of what works well in the current qualifications. We want to maintain the value and status of these traditional, academic qualifications which are well-respected for supporting progression and which provide rich and engaging experiences of Welsh literature, heritage and culture.  

Working with others as we look to the future  
As schools and centres prepare for the introduction of these new qualifications, we will continue to work closely with WJEC, Adnodd and other partners to support centre readiness and to raise awareness of the changes to come.  

These new AS and A levels represent an important step towards ensuring that Cymraeg qualifications support the ambitions for the language and for Welsh language education, while providing learners with qualifications that are relevant, valued and fit for purpose.  But their contribution cannot be understood in isolation. Ambitions for Cymraeg require a continued effort to work together across the education sector. We are grateful for all the collaborative input to date and look forward to working with others as the qualifications are introduced.